How a Creative Pursuit Can Change Your Life

If you asked most people how they interact with arts and media, they'd probably say through consumption. Whether it’s reading a book, watching a movie, or binging a TV show, these are all ways we connect to creativity—but as spectators. And don’t get me wrong, I love consuming art and media, and I do it often, but I’ve found that being the one creating and expressing can be just as powerful, if not more so.

Many of us have learned to soothe ourselves by consuming. That could mean eating, shopping, scrolling social media, smoking, gambling, or even taking certain medications. Consumption is easy—it requires little from us beyond participation.

But what we don’t often talk about is the healing power of creating. And when I say creating, I’m not talking about starting a business or doing something tied to productivity or achievement. I’m not referring to output that is “useful” or “marketable,” which is how we’re often taught to view success in a capitalist society. Instead, I’m talking about creating for the sake of creating—purely for joy or self-expression. There’s something deeply fulfilling about that, and it’s something I’ve learned to embrace.

Here are a few ways creative pursuits have brought joy, meaning, and growth to my life.

Becoming Immersed in a Creative Task Is Like Experiencing Love

One of my favorite ways to think about love is that it’s rooted in wanting to know something or someone deeply. And I think that same kind of devotion applies to creative pursuits. When you pour your time and attention into a hobby, skill, or art form, it’s an act of love.

I’ve always admired people who nurture a passion for a specific interest or hobby, no matter how random. It shows dedication, curiosity, and patience. When you find a creative outlet you love, it can add so much color to your days. It might even connect you to a community of like-minded people, which is its own kind of reward.

Creativity Can Benefit Your Body and Mind

Engaging in a creative pursuit can be a beautiful way to use parts of your mind—or body—that your work might not tap into. For example, my job involves sitting in front of a computer and writing. Interestingly enough, my creative outlet is also writing, but it’s completely different.

When I started my current job, I focused only on the type of writing required at work. I was new and wanted to keep things simple. But as I settled in, I made a point to write for myself in my free time. This personal writing feels freeing and helps me flex creative muscles that I don’t often use on the job. And the surprising part? It’s made me better at my paid work. There’s something so energizing about creating just for yourself.

Creativity Can Feel Radically Liberating

In a world where so much of our time and energy revolves around productivity and making money, engaging in a creative activity purely for the sake of expression can feel like a radical act.

There’s no need to explain why you feel compelled to create. Maybe you draw because you enjoy it. Maybe you play an instrument because it brings you peace. Maybe you write poetry because it’s a way to process your thoughts. The reasons don’t have to make sense to anyone else and that is freeing.

Becoming an Expert Brings Its Own Joy

One of the most satisfying things about sticking to a creative pursuit is how much you can learn over time. Even if you start with no experience, your consistency will help you grow.

Take gardening, for example. If you started today, you might not know much, but as the weeks and months go by, you’d learn how much water certain plants need, which spots in the yard get the best light, and when to plant different seeds. The beauty of it is that your knowledge grows alongside your hobby, and sometimes, the fruits of your labor are literal fruits—or flowers, or herbs!

You May Find Yourself Shopping Less

Here’s a surprising benefit I’ve noticed: the more time I spend on creative pursuits like writing or drawing, the less I feel the urge to shop.

To be clear, this depends on the hobby. Some creative pursuits, like crafting or photography, can come with hefty costs for supplies. But in general, I’ve found that when I’m immersed in something I love, I don’t rely on material things—like clothes or accessories—as much to express myself.

Plus, time plays a role here, too. When you’re working full-time and carving out space for your creative passion, there’s little room left for aimless scrolling or browsing.

Creativity Is for Everyone

At its core, engaging in a creative pursuit is about connecting with yourself and finding joy in expression. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but you. And most importantly, it doesn’t have to make you money or “prove” anything.

When you allow yourself the freedom to create, you might find that it changes your life in ways you didn’t expect. It brings love, growth, connection, and meaning—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.